Mel Gibson recently came into controversy after appearing to make hand gestures behind an ASL interpreter while at a fan event in Canada. Since then, the actor has issued an apology over the incident. Since then, many commenters have been weighing in on the story.
Mel Gibson Recently Sparked Controversy While At The Fan Expo Canada In Toronto
Gibson is an actor and filmmaker. He was introduced to many through his breakout role as Max Rockatansky in the Mad Max film series. Gibson later gained further recognition for Lethal Weapon.
Following this, Gibson produced, directed, and starred in Braveheart. He later directed and produced the biblical piece, The Passion of the Christ.
As previously reported, Gibson sparked controversy while attending the Fan Expo Canada in Toronto. At one point during the event, he walked out behind an American Sign Language interpreter and started making hand gestures behind them.
Online Commentators Have Since Been Sharing Mixed Reactions To The Apology On Social Media
The moment soon went viral, with many accusing the actor of mocking the interpreter. At the time, some came to Gibson’s defense, wanting more context to see what happened.
Since then, Gibson has issued an apology over the incident. Speaking with TMZ, “Sometimes when you get pushed out on a stage in a spotlight your mind is all over the place, and sometimes spontaneous thoughtless idiocy is displayed.” The actor added, “There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.”
🚨 Exclusive: Mel Gibson apologizes after backlash over ASL interpreter gestures.
See more: https://t.co/2TrJpuloUs pic.twitter.com/aPIQHPjNj5
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 31, 2026
With the apology being shared on social media, many commentators weighed in on the story. Some appreciated the gesture, while others thought it was the least he could do, and some even wondered if the moment was still taken out of context. A few comments included:
- “An apology after backlash is at least a step in the right direction here.”
- “The gesture looked dumb, the apology exists. Next clip please.”
- “I believe him. People make mistakes. These things are awkward.”
- “He gets himself into a lot of trouble.”
- “He should know better than to do that in the first place.
- “How many chances is this man going to get? Over and over again.”
@news.com.au Mel Gibson is facing backlash for mocking an American Sign Language interpreter while appearing at a Fan Expo Canada panel. The 70-year-old actor has now branded his actions as “thoughtless idiocy”, apologising to “anyone who was upset by it”. #melgibson #gibson #fanexpocanada #asl ♬ original sound – News.com.au
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.